It is with great sadness that we inform you of the untimely death of Tigersharks former Head Coach Phil Millard on 7 November 2018 following a short illness.
Phil joined Tigersharks, or Thamesdown, as it was known then when his 2 daughters Ali and Jo started swimming. He quickly became involved completing his ASA Swim Teacher qualification in the early 80’s moving on to Assistant Club Coach and finally becoming a fully qualified British Swimming Club Coach and Head Coach of the Club. Tigersharks achieved a 6th place finish in the medal table at the National Age group and Youth Championships and achieved 18 national qualifiers in one year- an amazing achievement for a relatively small club. Phil also coached 2 out of the 4 Olympians produced from the town and he was immensely proud to watch Grant Turner in London 2012 and Jaz Carlin claim her 2 silver medals in Rio in 2016.
Phil retired as Head Coach of the Club in 2005 and set up a Learn to swim programme with his daughter Jo and then returned to swimming , coaching the triathletes twice weekly.
Phil was involved with swimming for over 30 years and made a huge contribution to the sport and those athletes whom he coached . We offer our sincere condolences to Carol, Ali, Jo and all the family on your loss.
